[Federal Register Volume 72, Number 60 (Thursday, March 29, 2007)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 14719-14721]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E7-5667]



[[Page 14719]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2007-27712; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-233-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Boeing Model 747 Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of 
Transportation (DOT).

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: The FAA proposes to supersede an existing airworthiness 
directive (AD) that applies to certain Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes. The existing AD requires a one-time inspection of the 
potable water and drain lines in the cargo compartments for indications 
of overheating of the heater tape, exposed foam insulation, missing or 
damaged protective tape, or debris around the potable water fill and 
drain lines; and corrective action, if necessary. This proposed AD 
would require that the inspection of the water and drain lines be 
repetitively performed, using new service information, until new ribbon 
heaters are installed, which would terminate the repetitive 
inspections. This AD would also remove certain airplanes from the 
applicability. This proposed AD results from a report of a fire in the 
aft cargo compartment started by a potable water line heater tape. We 
are proposing this AD to prevent overheating of the heater tape on 
potable water fill and drain lines, which could ignite accumulated 
debris or contaminants on or near the potable water fill and drain 
lines, resulting in a fire in the airplane.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by May 14, 2007.

ADDRESSES: Use one of the following addresses to submit comments on 
this proposed AD.
     DOT Docket Web site: Go to http://dms.dot.gov and follow 
the instructions for sending your comments electronically.
     Government-wide rulemaking Web site: Go to http://www.regulations.gov and follow the instructions for sending your 
comments electronically.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Nassif Building, room PL-401, 
Washington, DC 20590.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
     Hand Delivery: Room PL-401 on the plaza level of the 
Nassif Building, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC, between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Contact Boeing Commercial Airplanes, P.O. Box 3707, Seattle, 
Washington 98124-2207, for service information identified in this 
proposed AD.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Don Eiford, Aerospace Engineer, Cabin 
Safety and Environmental Systems Branch, ANM-150S, FAA, Seattle 
Aircraft Certification Office, 1601 Lind Avenue, SW., Renton, 
Washington 98057-3356; telephone (425) 917-6465; fax (425) 917-6590.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to submit any relevant written data, views, or 
arguments regarding this proposed AD. Send your comments to an address 
listed in the ADDRESSES section. Include the docket number ``Docket No. 
FAA-2007-27712; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-233-AD'' at the 
beginning of your comments. We specifically invite comments on the 
overall regulatory, economic, environmental, and energy aspects of the 
proposed AD. We will consider all comments received by the closing date 
and may amend the proposed AD in light of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://dms.dot.gov, including any personal information you provide. We will 
also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact with FAA 
personnel concerning this proposed AD. Using the search function of 
that Web site, anyone can find and read the comments in any of our 
dockets, including the name of the individual who sent the comment (or 
signed the comment on behalf of an association, business, labor union, 
etc.). You may review the DOT's complete Privacy Act Statement in the 
Federal Register published on April 11, 2000 (65 FR 19477-78), you can 
visit http://dms.dot.gov.

Examining the Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://dms.dot.gov, or in person at the Docket Management Facility office 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The Docket Management Facility office (telephone (800) 647-
5227) is located on the plaza level of the Nassif Building at the DOT 
street address stated in the ADDRESSES section. Comments will be 
available in the AD docket shortly after the Docket Management System 
receives them.

Discussion

    On April 20, 2004, we issued AD 2004-09-10, amendment 39-13599 (69 
FR 23647, April 30, 2004), for certain Boeing Model 747 series 
airplanes. That AD requires a one-time inspection of the potable water 
and drain lines in the forward and aft cargo compartments for 
indications of overheating of the heater tape, exposed foam insulation, 
missing or damaged protective tape, or debris around the potable water 
fill and drain lines; and corrective action, if necessary. That AD 
resulted from a report of a fire in the aft cargo compartment of a 
Boeing Model 767 series airplane due to heater tape on a water fill 
line overheating and igniting debris accumulated on or near the heater 
tape. Model 747 series airplanes have a configuration similar to that 
of the Model 767 and, under similar conditions, are subject to the same 
unsafe condition. We issued that AD to prevent overheating of the 
heater tape on potable water fill and drain lines, which could ignite 
accumulated debris or contaminants on or near the potable water fill 
and drain lines, and result in a fire in the airplane.

Actions Since Existing AD Was Issued

    The preamble to AD 2004-09-10 explains that we considered the 
requirements ``interim action'' and were considering further 
rulemaking. We now have determined that further rulemaking is indeed 
necessary, and this proposed AD follows from that determination.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-30A2080, 
Revision 2, dated September 14, 2006. The service bulletin describes 
procedures for the following actions:
     Repetitive inspections of the potable water supply and 
gray water drain lines for foreign object debris (FOD) and 
contamination;
     Removal of FOD and contamination on, near, or around the 
potable water supply and gray water drain lines;
     Repetitive inspections of the heater tape on the potable 
water supply and gray water drain lines for heat damage, exposed foam 
insulation, and missing/damaged protective tape;
     Replacement of all damaged heater tape;
     Covering of the exposed foam insulation with protective 
tape;
     Replacement of all missing or damaged protective tape; and
     Eventual replacement of the potable water supply and gray 
water drain line heater tape with new ribbon heaters, which eliminates 
the need for the repetitive inspections.

[[Page 14720]]

    Accomplishing the actions specified in the service information is 
intended to adequately address the unsafe condition.

FAA's Determination and Requirements of the Proposed AD

    We have evaluated all pertinent information and identified an 
unsafe condition that is likely to develop on other airplanes of the 
same type design. For this reason, we are proposing this AD, which 
would supersede AD 2004-09-10. This proposed AD would require 
accomplishing the actions specified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 
747-30A2080, Revision 2, dated September 14, 2006, described 
previously.

Costs of Compliance

    There are about 1,114 airplanes of the affected design in the 
worldwide fleet. The following table provides the estimated costs for 
U.S. operators to comply with this proposed AD, at an average labor 
rate of $80 per hour. The cost of parts is minimal.

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                         Number of
                                                                             Cost per      U.S.-      Fleet cost
             Action                         Group              Work hours    airplane    registered    by group
                                                                                         airplanes
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Inspection (cost per inspection  1..........................            3         $240          113      $27,120
 cycle).
                                 2 (Config. 1)..............            2          160           18        2,880
                                 2 (Config. 2)..............            2          160           17        2,720
                                 3..........................            3          240            2          480
                                 4..........................            3          240            0            0
                                 5..........................            2          160            0            0
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Modification...................  1..........................           48        3,840          113      433,920
                                 2 (Config. 1)..............            7          560           18       10,080
                                 2 (Config. 2)..............           15        1,200           17       20,400
                                 2 (Config. 3)..............            8          640           17       10,880
                                 3..........................           60        4,800            2        9,600
                                 4..........................           61        4,880            0            0
                                 5..........................           27        2,160            0            0
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, Section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII, Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701, ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We have determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify that the proposed 
regulation:
    1. Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive Order 
12866;
    2. Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979); and
    3. Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.
    We prepared a regulatory evaluation of the estimated costs to 
comply with this proposed AD and placed it in the AD docket. See the 
ADDRESSES section for a location to examine the regulatory evaluation.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) amends Sec.  39.13 by 
removing amendment 39-13599 (69 FR 23647, April 30, 2004) and adding 
the following new airworthiness directive (AD):

Boeing: Docket No. FAA-2007-27712; Directorate Identifier 2006-NM-
233-AD.

Comments Due Date

    (a) The FAA must receive comments on this AD action by May 14, 
2007.

Affected ADs

    (b) This AD supersedes AD 2004-09-10.

Applicability

    (c) This AD applies to Boeing Model 747 airplanes, certificated 
in any category, as identified in Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-
30A2080, Revision 2, dated September 14, 2006.

    Note 1: For the purposes of this AD, a cargo area that is not 
fully enclosed or not enclosed, as identified in Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-30A2080, Revision 2, dated September 14, 2006, 
is a floor without panels installed between all roller trays in the 
cargo compartment.

Unsafe Condition

    (d) This AD results from a report of a fire in the aft cargo 
compartment started by a potable water line heater tape. We are 
issuing this AD to prevent overheating of the heater tape on potable 
water fill and drain lines, which could ignite accumulated debris or 
contaminants on or near the potable water fill and drain lines, 
resulting in a fire in the airplane.

[[Page 14721]]

Compliance

    (e) You are responsible for having the actions required by this 
AD performed within the compliance times specified, unless the 
actions have already been done.

Inspections

    (f) At the later of the times specified in paragraphs (f)(1) and 
(f)(2) of this AD: Do the initial inspections specified in Table 1 
of this AD in accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of 
Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-30A2080, Revision 2, dated 
September 14, 2006. Correct any discrepancy before further flight in 
accordance with the service bulletin. Repeat the inspections at the 
applicable time specified in Table 1 of this AD.
    (1) Within 18 calendar months since the date of issuance of the 
original standard airworthiness certificate or within 18 calendar 
months since the date of issuance of the original export certificate 
of airworthiness.
    (2) Within 90 calendar days after the effective date of this AD.

                          Table 1.--Inspections
------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Do a general visual         And repeat the
  inspection of the forward       inspection at
 and aft cargo compartments,    intervals not to           Until--
    as applicable, for--            exceed--
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Foreign object debris (FOD)   600 flight hours....  The heater tape
 or contamination on, near,                          replacement
 or around the potable water                         required by
 supply and gray water drain                         paragraph (g) of
 lines.                                              this AD is done.
Indications of heat damage,   1,800 flight hours..  The heater tape
 exposed foam insulation, or                         replacement
 missing or damaged                                  required by
 protective tape of all                              paragraph (g) of
 heater tape on the potable                          this AD is done.
 water supply and gray water
 drain lines.
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Terminating Action

    (g) At the applicable time specified in Table 2 of this AD: 
Replace the heater tape on the potable water supply and gray water 
drain lines of the forward and aft cargo compartments, as 
applicable, with Adel Wiggins ribbon heaters. Do the actions in 
accordance with the Accomplishment Instructions of Boeing Alert 
Service Bulletin 747-30A2080, Revision 2, dated September 14, 2006. 
This replacement terminates the requirements of paragraph (f) of 
this AD.

            Table 2.--Compliance Time for Terminating Action
------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
------------------------------------------------------------------------
For airplanes on which the    Replace the heater tape at the later of--
 heater tape has--
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(1) Not been replaced before  Within 42 months      24 months after the
 the effective date of this    since the date of     effective date of
 AD in accordance with         issuance of the       this AD.
 Boeing Alert Service          original standard
 Bulletin 747-30A2079, dated   airworthiness
 December 12, 2002; Revision   certificate or the
 1, dated October 16, 2003;    date of issuance of
 or Revision 2, dated          the original export
 December 16, 2004.            certificate of
                               airworthiness,
                               whichever occurs
                               first.
(2) Been replaced before the  Within 42 months      24 months after the
 effective date of this AD     after the heater      effective date of
 in accordance with Boeing     tape was replaced.    this AD.
 Alert Service Bulletin 747-
 30A2079, dated December 12,
 2002; Revision 1, dated
 October 16, 2003; or
 Revision 2, dated December
 16, 2004.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Provisions for Previous Accomplished Work

    (h) Actions done before the effective date of this AD in 
accordance with Boeing Alert Service Bulletin 747-30A2080--either 
the original version dated December 16, 2004, or Revision 1, dated 
August 18, 2005--are acceptable for compliance with the 
corresponding requirements of this AD; except, for Group 2, 
Configuration 2 and Configuration 3 airplanes, as defined in 
Revision 2 of the service bulletin, additional work is required in 
the forward cargo compartment, as specified in Parts 1, 2, and 3 of 
the service bulletin and required by this AD.

Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (i)(1) The Manager, Seattle Aircraft Certification Office, FAA, 
has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested in 
accordance with the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19.
    (2) Before using any AMOC approved in accordance with Sec.  
39.19 on any airplane to which the AMOC applies, notify the 
appropriate principal inspector in the FAA Flight Standards 
Certificate Holding District Office.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on March 20, 2007.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. E7-5667 Filed 3-28-07; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P